SNHU Gathers State Leaders to Address Basic Needs for Today’s Learners

BY KRISTIN ATKINSON ’24G

Landscape orientation close-up indoor photograph view of Urban College of Boston President Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández, President Ryerson, and Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski connecting with student panelists as everyone is gathered together at a table smiling and posing for a picture

Urban College of Boston President Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández, President Ryerson, and Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski connecting with student panelists.

For many students in higher education, the journey to a degree is more than just coursework and exams. It often includes balancing family obligations and working to pay for essentials like food, housing, transportation, and childcare while pursuing their education. Nationally, three in five college students experience basic needs insecurity. Recognizing the gravity of this challenge, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is taking significant steps to support its learners and advocate for systemic change.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government created the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), providing $70 billion in grants to support students in need. A 2023 report from the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice (CHEPP) found that SNHU learners receiving HEERF grants were up to 15% more likely to stay enrolled the following semester, highlighting the impact of basic needs access on student success.

Advocating for More Basic Needs Support

In October, in collaboration with CHEPP, SNHU hosted an event on campus to address basic needs insecurity. The gathering included New Hampshire’s congressional delegation, higher education leaders, federal policy experts, and representatives from community organizations. It was a moment to highlight the critical challenges faced by students in New Hampshire and nationwide and to explore sustainable solutions and policy changes.

In her opening remarks, SNHU President Lisa Marsh Ryerson emphasized the collective impact of unmet needs. “When anyone in our community lacks food or shelter, we all suffer. This is a shared responsibility, and it’s time for federal policymakers to support robust solutions to combat basic needs insecurity.”

The event’s centerpiece was a panel of students who shared personal stories that brought the issue to life. Moderated by Dr. Lynn Zlotkowski, SNHU’s senior director of student retention and success, the panel included SNHU students from both campus and online programs, as well as a student from Saint Anselm College. Their stories highlighted difficult choices they face—whether to pay for transportation to class or a week’s worth of groceries, or whether to prioritize tuition over rent.

Stories of Resilience

Kenyang Lual, a campus student at SNHU shared his experience as the middle child in a family of five, born to immigrant parents who work full time. Housing has been his greatest challenge. When scholarships fell through, Kenyang couldn’t afford to live on campus and spent much of his work-study earnings on rideshares to get to class. Despite these struggles, Kenyang remains committed to his education and his family.

“I don’t want to drop out,” he said. “If I graduate, I’ll be in a position to support my parents and siblings. But right now, it’s hard to know if there will be food in the fridge or if I can afford transportation.”

Kenyang’s story, like those of so many students, underscores how a single setback can cascade into a crisis. Yet, his determination and resilience inspire hope. With support from SNHU, including a scholarship that allowed him to move back on campus, Kenyang is now on track to finish his degree.

Supporting Students’ Basic Needs

SNHU is committed to addressing these challenges head-on. Over the past three years, a $250,000 Congressionally Directed Spending Grant through Senator Jeanne Shaheen has helped SNHU to provide essential support for students facing basic needs insecurity. The grant funded mini-scholarships to cover necessities such as food, transportation, and books, and facilitated campus-wide strategic planning to enhance services for students in need. This initiative led to the expansion of The Cupboard, SNHU’s on-campus food pantry, which now resides in a spacious, fully accessible location within the Hospitality Center. Adjacent to The Cupboard is The Closet, SNHU’s free clothing resource, creating a centralized hub for student support. Management of these spaces transitioned from The Chandler Center to the Office of Student Services, aligning them with counseling, wellness, and CARE Team services for a more holistic approach. The Chandler Center continues to oversee grant operations, including reporting, purchasing, and scholarship distribution, ensuring the success of these vital programs.

“These resources are critical, but we know they’re not enough,” said President Ryerson. “The needs of today’s learners are growing, and we must do more to meet them.”

Senator Maggie Hassan meeting with a student panelist.

Advocating for Policy Change

While SNHU’s community-level efforts are vital, the university recognizes the limitations of patchwork solutions. Students applying for federal benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face complex rules and exemptions that create barriers. To address this, SNHU is advocating for updates to make SNAP more accessible and other policy changes to help college students meet their basic needs.

At the event on campus, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan stressed the importance of systemic change. “The challenges of college should come with exams, papers, and maybe a part-time job to pay for discretionary expenses—not for the necessities of life,” she said. Senator Jeanne Shaheen also expressed her support through a letter read at the event, highlighting the need for collective action.

SNHU’s advocacy extends beyond campus boundaries. By collaborating with institutions like the University of New Hampshire and Manchester Community College, as well as national organizations like SchoolHouse Connection, SNHU and CHEPP are building a coalition to address student homelessness and food insecurity.

Looking Ahead

At SNHU, the commitment to basic needs support is unwavering. As President Ryerson said, “This is a fight we must continue. Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and that begins with ensuring they have what they need to survive and thrive.”

Through partnerships, advocacy, and community-driven solutions, SNHU is leading the charge to make basic needs insecurity a challenge of the past. Together, we can create a future where every student has the resources to reach their full potential.

TODAY’S LEARNERS…

Source: CHEPP “The New Traditional Learner”

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